March 29, 2024

Calendar: Tips for garden tool maintenance

CLINTON, Ill. — Garden Tool Maintenance will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. May 11 at the Vespasian Warner Public Library, 310 N. Quincy St., Clinton.

Learn how to extend the longevity of your garden tools with proper care. This workshop will cover what to look for in purchasing quality garden tools, the best cleaning and sharpening methods, and best practices for storage.

Register by calling the library at 217-935-5174. For more information, call Beth Miglin at 217-762-2191.

Service Project

LEWISTOWN, Ill. — Fulton County 4-H Federation is hosting a countywide day of service at 10 a.m. May 6 at City Kids Camp, 14253 E. Epworth Spring Road, Lewistown. All Fulton County 4-H clubs are invited to attend and help the staff at City Kids Camp get ready for the camping season.

4-H members, parents, volunteers, and leaders are all invited to help.

Some of the projects will include cleaning cabins, cutting brush, clearing paths, and possibly some painting, depending on the weather. Lunch will be provided for all helpers.

For more information, contact Krista Gray, 4-H program coordinator, at kristakg@illinois.edu or 309-547-3711.

Storytime Training

INDIANAPOLIS — Hero’s Storytime Training will be 2 to 3:30 p.m. ET May 6 at Indy Reads Books, 1066 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis. The reading program promotes healthy social-emotional development in preschool-aged children. Based on the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets, this eight-book program includes curriculum guides for teachers and family newsletters to share. The program is aimed at those who work with children aged 3-5 or parents with children that age. Certificates will be awarded at completion. Register for free at https://tinyurl.com/3p2v5jnf. For more information, contact Kevin Davis at 317-275-9255 or davi1044@purdue.edu.

Digital Art

AUBURN, Ind. — Students in grades sixth through 12th will learn how to create their own digital piece of art in Art in a Digital Age, 2 to 4 p.m. ET May 6, May 13, May 20 and 27 at the DeKalb County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall, 708 S. Union St., Auburn.

The world of art is changing. Artists of today are not only using the common mediums of paint or pencil, but are also creating their works using computer software.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/bdfnphdw. For more information, contact Effie Campbell at 260-925-2562.

Money Mentors

URBANA, Ill. — Do you need help with your personal finances? Do you have a question about your credit report or credit score? Illinois Extension Money Mentor volunteers are here to help. The Money Mentors and Urbana Free Library will be partnering to host pop-up mentoring from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 7 at the library, 210 W. Green St., Urbana.

Help is free and confidential. Money Mentors assist individuals with personal finance strategies, including budgeting, establishing financial goals, building savings, managing credit and organizing finances.

Teacher Appreciation

HILLSBORO, Ill. — To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week May 8-12, Montgomery County 4-H is hosting a community service workshop to prepare gifts for teachers that are special to Montgomery County 4-H members.

The workshop will be 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. May 8 at the Montgomery County Extension office, 1 Industrial Park Drive, Hillsboro.

The workshop is open to youth ages 8-18 who live in Montgomery County and is hosted by the 4-H Youth Leadership Team.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/yeykfrz6. Participants can select items on the registration page to bring to the workshop. At the workshop, 4-H members will attach notes to the items, and the items will then be delivered to local teachers.

Chain Saw Safety

EAST PEORIA, Ill. — Beginner Chain Saw Safety and Forest Stand Improvement Training will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 8 at Fon du Lac Park District, Spring Creek Preserve, 22001 N. Spring Creek Road, East Peoria.

Participants will receive training in the safe use of chain saws, selecting and using safety gear and an opportunity to practice these skills with an expert. Participants must wear long pants and sturdy leather boots, and bring a sack lunch and water container. Participants also can bring their own chain saw and personal protective equipment. If you don’t have them, they will be provided.

Cost is $20. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3wjum9kx.

Great Tomatoes

CARLINVILLE, Ill. — Growing Great Tomatoes will be 3 to 4 p.m. May 8 at the Macoupin County Extension office, 60 Carlinville Plaza, Carlinville.

University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Andrew Holsinger will discuss the insects and diseases affecting tomatoes, and how to identify common problems.

The free program also will be available online. Register at https://tinyurl.com/bdkmek5n.

Livestock Care

CHRISNEY, Ind. — The 4-H Quality Livestock Care Workshop will be 5 to 6 p.m. CT May 8 at the Spencer County Youth & Community Center, 1101 E CR 800 N, Chrisney.

All 4-H livestock members planning to exhibit beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, sheep, meat goats, dairy goats, poultry and rabbits at the county fair or Indiana State Fair are required to complete a livestock quality care certification each year.

Registration will be from 4:30 to 5 p.m. Register in advance by calling 812-362-8066 or email pcocheno@purdue.edu.

Dining with Diabetes

SALEM, Ind. — Purdue Extension’s Dining with Diabetes program will be 1 to 3 p.m. ET May 9, May 16, May 23 and May 30 at the Washington County Government Building Meeting Room, 806 Martinsburg Road, Salem.

Dining with Diabetes equips individuals with skills to prevent diabetes and help those with diabetes lessen their risk of long-term complications. Dining with Diabetes participants learn to prepare the foods they enjoy with simple modifications and discuss ways to increase physical activity in order to promote optimal health. These lifestyle changes may help to reduce the risk of complications from diabetes by lowering blood glucose, maintaining body weight, and lowering blood pressure.

The program consists of four two-hour sessions and a follow-up session presented by Extension educators with assistance from other healthcare professionals. Educators demonstrate how to prepare healthier options for a variety of meals and snacks, which participants are able to sample during the sessions.

Register by emailing Sonya Mitchell at shmitche@purdue.edu or call the Extension office at 812-883-4601.

Social Media

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The online program Social Media Plan and Content will be 2 to 3 p.m. ET May 9. Learn a six-step social media planning tool, benefits of social media and best practices regarding social media content.

Cost is $25. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2tfz5tz2.

Family Heritage

PEORIA, Ill. — The 4-H Family Heritage Workshop will be 6 p.m. May 9 at the Extension office, 4810 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria.

Learn how to research your family history from Carol Dorward, an expert in genealogy.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/ha8tpt2n. For more information, contact Kristi Smith, Peoria 4-H program coordinator, at 309-685-3140.

Nurses Appreciation

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — Nurses Appreciation Week is May 6-12. To celebrate, Christian County 4-H is hosting a community service workshop to prepare gifts that will be donated to a local hospital.

The workshop for youths ages 8 to 18 will be 5 to 6 p.m. May 9 at the Christian County Extension office, 1120 N. Webster St., Taylorville.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/49kwk85a. On the registration page, participants will find a list of items needed that they can bring to the workshop. At the workshop, 4-H members will attached notes to the items. The items will then be delivered to local hospitals.

Pollinators Workshop

EDELSTEIN, Ill. — The Native Pollinators Workshop will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 9 at Tawny Oaks, 715 W. Singing Woods Road, Edelstein.

Extension master gardeners and master naturalists are invited to this unit-wide master volunteer workshop. While the program is targeted to active volunteers, anyone interested in the topic is invited to attend.

Preserving Safely

MONTICELLO, Ill. — Learn about water-bath and pressure-can preserving just in time for this year’s gardening season. The program will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. May 9 at the Piatt County Extension office, 210 S. Market St., Monticello.

Discussed will up-to-date information on safely preserving at home and the steps to get started. Participants may also bring their dial-gauge pressure canner lids to be tested.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/yufsraet. For more information, contact Caitlin Melendorf at 217-877-6042.

Dial Testing

FREEPORT, Ill. — Pressure Canner Dial Testing Clinic will be 1 to 3 p.m. May 9 at the Stephenson County Extension office, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport.

Before using your pressure canner, have your dial gauge tested for accuracy. Testing will ensure your pressure canner reaches the appropriate pressure needed to process low-acid foods, such as vegetables and meats, safely. Over time, a pressure canner’s dial gauge will become inaccurate, resulting in either reading too high or too low. If the pressure gauge reads too high, it will lead to under-processing resulting in unsafe foods. This is because the high temperature needed to destroy harmful microorganisms, such as the botulism toxin, can only be reached under pressure. If the dial gauge reads too low, your product will lose quality due to over-processing, and foods may become mushy.

If the dial gauge reads up to two pounds high or low, slight pressure adjustments can be made without replacing the dial gauge. However, if it differs by more than two pounds, the gauge must be replaced.

Bring in your pressure canner lid with the gauge attached. Staff will inspect the lid, gasket, and gauge for accuracy and provide you with an assessment.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/2bdfmkst.

Freezing Harvest

URBANA, Ill. — The online program Freezing Your Summer Harvest will be 6 to 8 p.m. May 9.

Freezing is one of the easiest and least time-consuming methods of preserving food. Best of all, it retains the natural color, fresh flavor, and nutritional qualities of most foods.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yeyw8h2c.

Lawn Care

URBANA, Ill. — The Natural Lawn Care Webinar will be 5 to 7 p.m. May 9.

The webinar will focus on environmentally friendly lawn care practices. Participants will learn techniques for taking care of and understanding their lawn as well as receive the tools to create a sustainable lawn care action plan to apply what they learn in the workshop at home.

This webinar is geared towards homeowners and others who manage lawns in northern Illinois. Register at https://tinyurl.com/56fkdxxz.

Seed Saving

MURPHYSBORO, Ill. — The Seed Saving Workshop will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 9 at the Jackson County Extension office, 402 Ava Road, Murphysboro.

Seed saving is a great way to continue your garden from the plants and flowers you already have. Saving seeds also allows you to select particular characteristics you might like to cultivate by choosing fruits or plants with those traits.

The workshop will cover methods used to collect seeds, seed storage techniques and seed stratification process.

Register for this free program by visiting go.illinois.edu/HomesteadingSeedSaving or call 618-687-1727.

Poultry Projects

HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington County Extension Educator JP Pietrowski will lead youth through the steps of preparing poultry projects for exhibition at 7 p.m. ET May 9.

Join the program via Zoom at https://bit.ly/4031xaF. No preregistration is required and the session will be recorded and posted to the Indiana 4-H YouTube channel.

For more information, contact Pietrowski at 260-358-4826 or jpietrow@purdue.edu.

Tie-Dye Workshop

CORYDON, Ind. — Get groovy and tie-dye a T-shirt at the Tie-Dye Workshop, 5:30 to 7 p.m. ET May 10 at the Harrison County Extension office, 247 Atwood St., Corydon.

This workshop is open to youths in grades three to 12. Participants should bring a white cotton T-shirt to tie-dye. Register by calling 812-738-4236.

Garden Workshop

CORYDON, Ind. — Youths grades kindergarten to second are invited to attend the Garden Decorating Workshop, 5:30 to 7 p.m. ET May 10 at the Harrison County Extension office, 247 Atwood St., Corydon.

Register by calling 812-738-4236 or email feve@purdue.edu.

Native Plants

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Native Plants and Perennials will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. May 10 at the Winnebago County Extension office, 1040 N. 2nd St., Rockford.

The program will be presented by Illinois Extension Master Gardener Julie Thomas. Register at https://tinyurl.com/y2n8xhje.

Growing Spaces

OHIO, Ill. — Growing Spaces for Vegetable Gardens in Raised Beds and Containers will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. May 10 at the Ohio Public Library, 112 N. Main St., Ohio.

Learn how to use above-ground growing systems for safe and fruitful production of your favorite backyard vegetables. The Master Gardener Program at the University of Illinois Extension for Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam counties will present methods to increase production by maximizing your space, recommending soil and fertilizer practices and use of available construction materials.

Register for this free program at https://tinyurl.com/5n7p99nw.

Canner Testing

PRINCETON, Ill. — Free pressure canner testing will be 1 to 4:30 p.m. May 11 at the Bureau County Extension office, 850 E. Thompson St., Princeton.

Drop off your canner lid with dial. Once the lids are checked, you will be contacted for pickup.

Freezing Harvest

ROCKFORD, Ill. — The in-person program Freezing Your Summer Harvest will be 6 to 8 p.m. May 11 at the Winnebago County Extension office, 1040 N. 2nd St., Rockford.

Freezing is one of the easiest and least time-consuming methods of preserving food. Best of all, it retains the natural color, fresh flavor, and nutritional qualities of most foods.

Cost is $5. Register at https://tinyurl.com/dphy2zpp.

Compost Week

CHICAGO — Celebrate International Compost Awareness Week from 4 to 5:30 p.m. May 12 at the University of Illinois at Chicago Forum, 1213 S Halsted St., Chicago.

This free networking event will offer food and nonalcoholic drinks, and free compost-related giveaways.

RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/454sz2e9.

Canner Testing

HENRY, Ill. — Free pressure canner testing will be 1 to 4:30 p.m. May 12 at the Marshall-Putnam Extension office, 509 Front St. #4, Henry.

Drop off your canner lid with dial. Once the lids are checked, you will be contacted for pickup.

Plant Sale

PEORIA, Ill. — The Peoria County Master Gardeners’ Annual Plant Sale will be 8 a.m. to noon May 13 at the Metro Center, 4700 N. University St., Peoria.

This annual event is an opportunity to buy plants, started and grown in sterile mediums by local master gardeners, and learn from their experiences.

Available will be native plants, perennial plants, annual plants, pollinator plants, vegetable transplants and herbs.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2p866rr3.

Plant Sale

PRINCETON, Ind. — The Gibson County Master Gardener Plant Sale will be 8 a.m. to noon May 13 in the senior center parking lot, 212 S. Richland Creek Drive, Princeton.

Featured will be hanging baskets, ferns, floral arrangements, homegrown vegetable plants, herbs, annuals, succulents and houseplants.

Farmers Market

SALEM, Ind. — The Washington County Farmers Market will open with local goods raised and produced within Washington and adjacent counties on May 13. The market will continue through October on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon ET at the Washington County Justice Center parking lot, 801 Jackson St., Salem. When produce is more plentiful later in the growing season, the market also will open on Tuesdays from 4 to 6. p.m.

New vendors are encouraged to participate in the market. All products must meet state and local regulations. Prospective vendors with questions about product requirements can contact the Washington County Health Department at 812-883-5603.

Vendor contracts are available at https://tinyurl.com/3m6jhdc5 or call the Washington County Extension office at 812-883-4601.

Plant Sale

MATTOON, Ill. — University of Illinois master gardeners serving Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie and Shelby counties invite the public to their annual Spring Plant Sale at Garden Fest, 9 a.m. to noon May 13 at Lytle Park, 500 S. 32nd St., Mattoon.

Featured will be hanging baskets, vegetable plants, herbs and houseplants. Gardening gloves, garden decor and gently used gardening items also will be available. Master gardener volunteers will be on hand to answer lawn and gardening questions and give suggestions for planting and landscaping.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ColesCountyMasterGardeners.